The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has alleged that the renewed demand for the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, is politically motivated and has urged the state government to investigate the activities of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP). Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar on Thursday, ACF president James Techi Tara claimed that the campaign for implementing the Act has been influenced by external forces and could disrupt the state’s long-standing communal harmony. Tara questioned why the issue has resurfaced after remaining largely inactive for more than four decades. He said there had been little public demand for the implementation of the APFRA over the past 40 years, but the matter has gained renewed attention under the current leadership of the IFCSAP. “For over 40 years, there was little demand for the implementation of the APFRA. However, under the present IFCSAP leadership, the issue has repeatedly been raised, leading to growing tensions between communities,” Tara said.
The ACF president urged the state government to examine whether any attempts are being made to create divisions or incite public sentiment. He said authorities should investigate the organisation’s activities and take appropriate action if any evidence of such efforts is found. Referring to the IFCSAP’s recent ultimatum to the government seeking implementation of the Act by June 24, Tara also questioned what he described as contradictory statements regarding the status of the legislation. “If the Act is already operational, as claimed by some of its leaders, why is there a fresh push for implementation?” he asked. Tara further expressed concern that the ongoing campaign could eventually lead to legal challenges concerning the Scheduled Tribe status of Christians in Arunachal Pradesh. Drawing comparisons with developments in neighbouring Manipur, he alleged that similar legal approaches could emerge in the state if the issue continues to escalate.The ACF leader also accused IFCSAP president Dr Emi Rumi of pursuing political objectives and called on the organisation to publicly disclose the names of political leaders whom it claims are supporting its campaign.
Questioning the scope of the APFRA, Tara argued that the legislation does not adequately represent the diversity of indigenous faith traditions practiced across Arunachal Pradesh. He maintained that the state’s cultural and religious landscape is far more diverse than what is reflected in the Act. Clarifying the forum’s position on the high-power committee formed to discuss the APFRA rules, Tara said the ACF had deliberately stayed away from the committee’s proceedings due to concerns over unequal representation of religious stakeholders. He emphasized that the forum’s opposition is directed at the proposed rules framed under the Act and not the legislation itself.
